This week -- Published Nov. 24, 2011

Thursday

Nov 24, 2011 at 12:01 AM

On the surface, it can seem like a playful riff on '60s TV dance shows ("American Bandstand").

The Record

Theater: "Hairspray"

On the surface, it can seem like a playful riff on '60s TV dance shows ("American Bandstand"). However, this stage musical - based on John Waters' 1988 movie - touches on more serious themes of class, race and social acceptance. "I like the fact that it's not about your typical hero," Stockton Civic Theatre director James Reed said. "You have an overweight girl (Tracy Turnblad) who becomes the hero in the story and is able to take on so much, and the fact she sees life as a musical. 'I'm not an overweight girl, but I'm different, quirky.' I related to it in that sense. 'I'm different in that I like music and dance, and in how I see myself.' " 7:30 p.m.; also 7:30 p.m. Sat.; 2:30 p.m. Sun. Stockton Civic Theatre, 2312 Rosemarie Lane. $15-$25. (209) 473-2424.

This "pop-punk-fuzz" band from Stockton is joined by local hard-core groups: Place Called Home, the Bears, 51-50, Godspeed and The Village. 6 p.m. Sun., Plea for Peace Center, 630 E. Weber Ave., Stockton. $5.